YORK City Knights boss James Ford reckons Perry Whiteley has what it takes to nail down a central role in the Championship again - after he agreed a deal to stay in the Minster city next year.

The burly 25-year-old joined the Knights from Keighley Cougars on transfer deadline day last season, but was used primarily as back-up to first-choice centres Brad Hey and St Helens-bound Joe Batchelor, scoring three tries in his two appearances in the team's successful Betfred League One title-winning run-in.

His initial deal then ran out but he has now signed a new one for 2019 and, having been a regular for both Workington Town and Sheffield Eagles in the higher division, he is being challenged to prove his worth at that level in York's colours.

Said Ford: "It's up to Perry, same as with all the squad. The blokes that train the best, which ultimately influences how they perform, will play.

"Has Perry got the potential to do that? Of course he has.

"He's very athletic, he's keen to kick on and he's keen to improve. There are parts of his game where he's probably better than the other centres. There is also stuff he needs to work on, and he's keen to do that."

Whiteley will go up against Liam Salter, the new signing from Hull KR, and 2017 Players' Player of the Year Hey for a starting role in the centres, as well as England Students international Jason Bass, who has joined from Coventry Bears.

Added Ford: "We will have four good players to choose from in the centre positions. The ball's in their court."

Dewsbury-born Whiteley began his rugby league career in the youth ranks at Huddersfield Giants before moving to Australia where he spent two seasons with Young RL in Country Rugby League.

He returned to England in the 2015 season and signed with Workington, going on to score 14 tries in 39 appearances for the then Championship club in a two-year stay at Derwent Park.

He joined Sheffield for 2017 and appeared 17 times for the Eagles as they finished runners-up in the Championship Shield.

He then moved to Keighley - scoring against the Knights in last season's match at Cougar Park - before making the deadline-day switch to Bootham Crescent and being a part of the successful title-winning run-in.

Ford added: “This isn’t Perry’s first barn dance - he’s played plenty of Championship rugby for both Sheffield and Workington.

"He has the potential to be a quality player for the Knights if his attitude towards hard work and attention to detail is where it needs to be.

“I’m looking forward to working with Perry and facilitating his development.”

Ford added the player had some versatility too. He added: "I see him primarily as a centre but he played a bit for us on the wing against West Wales and he played some second-row for Sheffield. There's versatility in him. We will see how he reacts to our training and how he improves and that will decide where and if he plays."

Whiteley becomes the 21st player now signed on for next year.

Those 21 are playmaker Connor Robinson, the League One Player of the Year, fellow nominee and half-back/full-back Ben Cockayne, winger Judah Mazive, winger/full-backs Ash Robson and Matt Chilton, centres Brad Hey, Liam Salter and Whiteley, utility back Bass, full-back/half-back Matty Marsh, hookers Harry Carter and Will Jubb, captain Tim Spears, and fellow packmen Ross Osborne, Ronan Dixon, England Students international Marcus Stock, Josh Jordan-Roberts, Joe Porter, Sam Scott, Jack Teanby and Mike Kelly.

Meanwhile, 2019 player sponsorships are on sale - email info@yorkcityknights.com for details.

Season tickets, memberships and tickets for the Knights Gala Dinner at York Racecourse on Saturday, November 10 are also available by emailing Zillah Ingledew at z.ingledew@yorkcityknights.com or phoning the club office on 01904 876850.